MadSci Network: Medicine |
Hello! You have asked an excellent question. HIV is not the only existing retro virus. Other retroviruses can cause cancer and other diseases. However, if your father also lived in Rwanda, it is likely that the retrovirus that killed him was HIV. In Rwanda the infection rate is between 8-16% of the population. This website offers good information about retroviruses, although it is a little complicated. http://www.cavidi.se/retro.htm Here is one last piece of advice. HIV is often spread through sexual contact. If you are going to be involved in a sexual relationship, protect yourself by using a condom. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions for you. My email address is tegen@alum.mit.edu -Sarah Tegen
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